TK-MSCs protect against cardiac cell apoptosis at 1 day after myocardial infarction (MI) and in vitro. TK-MSC administration reduced apoptosis in the infarct area at 1 day after MI, as determined by (A) TUNEL staining, (B) quantification of apoptotic cells, and (C) caspase-3 activity. Original magnification, ×200. Data are mean ± SEM (n=5–8). *P<0.05 vs. other MI groups. Cultured cardiomyocytes treated with 0.5 ml of TK-MSC-conditioned medium exhibit higher tolerance to hypoxia-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by (D) Hoechst staining,